By Mark DaCosta- Today, October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is being observed under the theme: “Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting dignity in practice for all.”
The United Nations (UN) states that this year’s observance “aims to promote understanding and dialogue between people living in poverty and the wider society. This year’s theme draws on first-hand testimonials showing that those trapped in extreme poverty often work long, grueling hours in dangerous, unregulated conditions but still cannot earn enough income to adequately support themselves and their families.”
According to statistics from the World Bank, about half of the global population exists in poverty. This is reflected in Guyana’s poverty rate of 48.4 per cent.
Economists who define poverty in terms of spending power say that a person who cannot spend more than US$5.50 per day is in a state of poverty. However experts at the World Bank have a wider definition, they state that, “Poverty is pronounced deprivation in well-being, and comprises many dimensions. It includes low incomes and the inability to acquire the basic goods and services necessary for survival with dignity. Poverty also encompasses low levels of health and education, poor access to clean water and sanitation, inadequate physical security, lack of [political] voice, and insufficient capacity and opportunity to better one’s life.”
According to that definition, poverty includes the inability to lift oneself out of that state.
The UN has articulated some of the effects of poverty in the following statement:
“Persons living in poverty experience many interrelated and mutually reinforcing deprivations that prevent them from realising their rights and perpetuate their poverty, including:
dangerous work conditions
unsafe housing
lack of nutritious food
unequal access to justice
lack of political power
limited access to health care
According to the majority of experts, it is the job of a country’s government to ensure that citizens rise above poverty. One notes that Guyana has sufficient resources for every person to have a decent life, therefore, it is up to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime to implement the recommendations of experts. In Guyana’s context, those recommendations include the following:
The PPP government must equitably allocate Guyana’s resources to ensure access to quality education for all Guyanese, including marginalised communities such as those in the hinterland, and others suffering from systematic discrimination. Scholarships, vocational training programs, and adult education initiatives – if provided by the government – can equip Guyanese with the necessary skills to secure better employment opportunities and improve their socioeconomic status.
The PPP regime must establish robust social safety nets to protect vulnerable populations from falling into poverty. The Guyana Government must implement welfare programs, such as cash transfers, food subsidies, and healthcare assistance, to provide immediate relief to those in need, including Guyanese who suffer sudden, unexpected loss of income, housing, or good health. These safety nets act as a cushion, ensuring basic needs are met immediately, thereby reducing the risk of extreme poverty.
The PPP government must promote economic growth and job creation. The Government must foster an enabling environment for businesses by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, offering tax incentives, and encouraging entrepreneurship. Further, the PPP regime must address the issue of corruption – particularly bribery – as a precondition for doing business in Guyana.
The Administration must ensure access to basic services, such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and housing for all Guyanese without discrimination. The PPP regime must invest in human development, healthcare facilities, and affordable housing programs for all income levels. The PPP government must work to improve living conditions for the impoverished. Collaborating with international organisations and NGOs can help leverage Guyana’s plentiful resources and diverse expertise to achieve these goals.
Promoting gender equality is a key aspect of poverty eradication. Guyana’s government must implement policies that empower women by providing equal access to opportunities. By addressing gender disparities, the government can unlock the potential of half the population, leading to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
The ruling regime should prioritise sustainable development practices to ensure long-term poverty eradication. This includes investing in renewable energy, promoting environmentally friendly industries, and implementing conservation measures.
In summary, eradicating poverty in Guyana requires a comprehensive approach by the ruling administration that encompasses education, social safety nets, job creation, access to basic services, gender equality, and sustainable development. The PPP government must prioritise these specific actions to address the root causes of poverty in Guyana. Perhaps, most importantly, the PPP regime must put an end to corrupt practices that divert money into the private pockets of the elite, and deprive the general population of the resources to which all Guyanese are entitled.
